As the turbulence of shifting global trade policies and supply chain disruptions continues to challenge enterprises, London-based Procure AI has emerged with a solution that could stabilize procurement processes. On November 26, 2025, this AI-driven procurement startup announced securing €11 million in seed funding, one of the largest early-stage investments in its category within Europe. The funding round was led by Headline with involvement from renowned investors C4 Ventures and Futury Capital. This injection of capital highlights the growing demand and urgency for innovative solutions to stabilize procurement and supply chain processes in increasingly complex global markets.
Procurement Struggles Intensified in 2025
In the face of increasing global tariffs and unstable delivery timelines, enterprises are confronted with several challenges. For many, procurement processes have become a hotbed of inefficiencies, manual bottlenecks, and mounting costs. These problems are intensified by tariffs that have skyrocketed in recent years, with rates reaching 34% in some regions. As recent turmoil proves, supply chain disruptions often mean not just late deliveries but steep penalties, operational gridlock, and lost business reputation.
According to a McKinsey report, 78% of businesses examined now adopt AI capabilities to shoulder some of this burden. AI unveils efficiencies by analyzing fragmented data, predicting bottlenecks, and optimizing procurement strategies. Yet, many traditional procurement tools demand complete system overhauls, a costly, time-consuming process Procue AI steadfastly avoids.
Violetta Bonenkamp, serial entrepreneur and AI enthusiast, comments, “Procurement automation isn’t simply about digitizing departments; it’s about breaking down silos, connecting scattered systems, and finally making enterprise data collaborative and usable in real-time. Procure AI’s approach of building on top of existing tech stacks instead of replacing them is exactly what enterprises need right now.”
What Sets Procure AI Apart
Procure AI was established in 2021 with one goal: to ensure enterprises could better manage procurement complexities through intelligent automation. It has already garnered attention within DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) markets, landing prestigious clients such as EnBW and Kärcher. The company’s AI-native platform operates on three key innovation pillars:
- Autonomous Execution: Handles administrative and repetitive procurement tasks independently, freeing up human resources for strategic work.
- Collaborative AI: Augments human decision-making, offering data-backed recommendations for everything from supplier negotiations to contract renewals.
- Proactive Assistance: Provides predictive insights, flagging delivery risks or budget overruns before they occur.
By enhancing, rather than overhauling, fragmented systems, Procure AI has earned a reputation for delivering rapid results. Enterprises claim ROI within mere months, with tangible benefits like 30% faster processing time and an annual savings of €2.35 million for a single segment of the budget.
"Efficient procurement means more than just saving money," says founder Yves Bauer. "It builds resilience into enterprises’ supply chains, allowing them to adapt rapidly to changes like tariffs or policy changes, a necessity in today’s volatile environment."
European Tech Investment Trends Strengthen Procure AI’s Rise
In the past year alone, European procurement and supply-chain-focused enterprises have raised over €32 million in AI-based funding. Notable rounds include Mercanis (Germany, €17.3M) for its agentic AI procurement platform and Matchory (Germany, €6M) expanding its supplier transparency tool. Yet, Procure AI’s offering, being the only standout from the UK, brings something unique to the table: complete end-to-end process automation.
"What strikes me about this particular funding wave," explains Bonenkamp, "is the level of trust being placed on AI solutions like Procure AI. These increasingly complex platforms are now not only collecting data but actively participating in real-time decision-making. Investors aren’t just building tools, they’re paving the way to redefine entire business processes."
Key Statistics Indicating Demand for AI-driven Procurement
- 75%: Percentage of enterprise revenue spent on supplier-related costs in Fortune 500 companies. Proper management of this spend is critical.
- 47%: Reduction in order processing time for organizations adopting automation, according to Hackett Group
- 90%: Businesses struggling to overcome operational complexity cite resource constraints as a major blocker. AI is their likely escape route.
A How-To Guide: Implementing AI Procurement Solutions
- Assess Existing Systems: AI platforms like Procure AI are meant to integrate seamlessly with existing ERP and procurement tools. Test compatibility before purchase.
- Focus on Use Case Priorities: Whether you need autonomous sourcing or predictive delivery insights, tailor your implementation based on immediate company goals.
- Start Small, Scale Fast: Begin by focusing AI efforts in smaller, less critical processes like tactical sourcing or tail spend, and then scale usage up from there.
- Involve Stakeholders: Procurement officers, operations managers, and finance divisions must collaborate to streamline AI adoption across the organization.
- Measure and Adapt Constantly: AI brings results only when continuously monitored and optimized based on evolving business data.
Common Mistakes Enterprises Make in Procurement
- Leaning too heavily on isolated AI solutions: A single-use AI tool is unlikely to resolve systematic inefficiencies across your supply chain.
- Ignoring real-time data compatibility: Many enterprises attempt to install overly sophisticated programs that fail to work with legacy software.
- Falling for vendor lock-in: Signing inflexible contracts without considering future adaptability.
- Focusing only on cutting costs: Successful procurement isn’t about spending less but creating a reliable, agile, and sustainable supply chain.
What’s Next for Procure AI
Procure AI’s hefty funding injection is tailored primarily toward expanding its technical and market outreach capabilities. The startup aims to go beyond DACH, a priority region since inception, targeting countries like the UK, the Nordics, the Benelux area, and France. Its broader ambition? Becoming synonymous globally with procurement AI excellence.
Bonenkamp predicts: “What starts now in Europe will soon become a global norm. As enterprises increasingly rely on supply chains involving over 70 business partners across multiple regions, the demand for platforms with Procue AI’s caliber will only skyrocket.”
Conclusion: Big Rewards for Investors and Enterprises
Securing €11 million at this stage of development positions Procure AI as not just a procurement company but an impactful player stabilizing chaotic global supply networks. While the tech-driven optimism is tangible, there’s a hard-boiled reality driving it too. Enterprises are tired of navigating procurement within fragmented and manual processes, time for autonomous solutions has arrived.
For serial entrepreneurs, seeing companies like Procure AI break barriers in nascent markets is a testament to the increasing convergence between AI, supply chain management, and business resilience. For investors, Procure AI is an opportunity not to be overlooked, proof that AI is no longer a buzzword but an actionable pathway to change entire industries.
Grow your knowledge on the mechanics of AI in procurement to stay ahead of the curve. Businesses investing in this future already see results, and so can you.
FAQ
1. What is Procure AI, and what does it do?
Procure AI is a London-based startup that specializes in AI-native procurement automation. Its main focus is to help enterprises streamline procurement processes, enhance decision-making, and optimize supply chain functions with AI-driven solutions. Learn more about Procure AI on EU-Startups
2. How much funding has Procure AI raised, and who are the key investors?
Procure AI secured €11 million in seed funding, one of the largest early-stage investments in the European procurement sector in 2025. The funding round was led by Headline with additional support from C4 Ventures and Futury Capital. Review details on Tech EU
3. How does Procure AI’s platform stand out from traditional procurement tools?
Unlike traditional systems that often require a complete overhaul, Procure AI integrates seamlessly into existing tech stacks. It offers end-to-end AI-driven automation with autonomous, collaborative, and predictive capabilities tailored to enterprise needs. Learn more about Procure AI’s platform on TechfundingNews
4. How does Procure AI yield measurable results for its clients?
Procure AI delivers outstanding results such as a 30% reduction in processing time, over €2.35 million in yearly savings for specific segments, and rapid ROI within months. Discover detailed client outcomes on Procure AI’s website
5. Why is there increased demand for AI-driven procurement solutions in 2025?
Rising global tariffs, up to 34% in some regions, coupled with unpredictable delivery timelines have made procurement complex. This has driven enterprises to turn to AI to automate procurement, reduce inefficiencies, and mitigate risks. Explore insights on tariff impacts via EU-Startups
6. How does Procure AI address fragmented procurement systems?
Procure AI enriches existing fragmented data and connects disparate solutions, offering enterprises a cohesive and intelligent procurement system without overhauling legacy tools. Learn about Procure AI’s approach on TechfundingNews
7. Which regions or markets is Procure AI planning to expand into?
After focusing on DACH countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Procure AI now aims to expand into the UK, Nordics, Benelux, and France with its AI-driven solutions. Read more on EU-Startups
8. How has AI transformed procurement and supply chain management sectors recently?
AI adoption in the procurement sector is accelerating, providing benefits like a 47% reduction in order processing time, enhanced decision-making, and improved cost savings across industries. Learn about advancing AI in supply chains from EU-Startups
9. Who are some of Procure AI's competitors in Europe?
Several startups in Europe are also developing AI-based procurement platforms, including Mercanis (€17.3M funding), Matchory (€6M funding), and Crown (€2M funding). Discover competitive funding rounds on EU-Startups
10. What are Procure AI’s future plans and long-term goals?
Procure AI plans to grow its technical and market outreach capabilities, aiming to become the go-to provider of AI-driven procurement solutions globally. Explore Procure AI’s vision via Tech EU
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta Bonenkamp's expertise in CAD sector, IP protection and blockchain
Violetta Bonenkamp is recognized as a multidisciplinary expert with significant achievements in the CAD sector, intellectual property (IP) protection, and blockchain technology.
CAD Sector:
- Violetta is the CEO and co-founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focused on developing IP management software specifically for CAD (Computer-Aided Design) data. CADChain addresses the lack of industry standards for CAD data protection and sharing, using innovative technology to secure and manage design data.
- She has led the company since its inception in 2018, overseeing R&D, PR, and business development, and driving the creation of products for platforms such as Autodesk Inventor, Blender, and SolidWorks.
- Her leadership has been instrumental in scaling CADChain from a small team to a significant player in the deeptech space, with a diverse, international team.
IP Protection:
- Violetta has built deep expertise in intellectual property, combining academic training with practical startup experience. She has taken specialized courses in IP from institutions like WIPO and the EU IPO.
- She is known for sharing actionable strategies for startup IP protection, leveraging both legal and technological approaches, and has published guides and content on this topic for the entrepreneurial community.
- Her work at CADChain directly addresses the need for robust IP protection in the engineering and design industries, integrating cybersecurity and compliance measures to safeguard digital assets.
Blockchain:
- Violetta’s entry into the blockchain sector began with the founding of CADChain, which uses blockchain as a core technology for securing and managing CAD data.
- She holds several certifications in blockchain and has participated in major hackathons and policy forums, such as the OECD Global Blockchain Policy Forum.
- Her expertise extends to applying blockchain for IP management, ensuring data integrity, traceability, and secure sharing in the CAD industry.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.
About the Publication
Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.
Mission and Purpose
Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.
Key Features
The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:
- Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
- Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
- AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
- SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
- Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
- Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials
Impact and Growth
Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:
- 5,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
- 100+ startup tools built
- 5,000+ pieces of articles and news written
- 1,000 unique business ideas for women created
Partnerships
Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.
Recognition
Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.